Team sport is a well-established part of school life for children and can be hugely beneficial in terms of fostering social interaction, developing friendships and even improving academic performance. It is also a great way of getting kids into a regular exercise routine and, if done right, can be a fantastic form of stress management and mood boosting.
In a world that is increasingly competitive, team sports teach children the value of working together and how to deal with setbacks. They learn that everyone suffers defeat in some way – whether it’s a game or not making the grade at school – and they must be prepared to accept this. They will also learn that success is often the result of hard work and commitment and that there are no shortcuts.
It is also a good opportunity for children to develop respect, both of themselves and others. They will need to be able to interact with people who have different views and opinions and will learn how to find a way around this – something that can be applied to all aspects of their life, both professional and social.
Communication skills are also important for team sports. They will need to listen to and understand the advice of their coaches, as well as the concerns and needs of their teammates. They will also need to be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, in order to ensure they are understood.